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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 3, 2010

AMERICAN EQUITY
INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(515) 221-0002
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.   Other Events.

On March 3, 2010, American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the “Company”) issued a news release announcing that the Company, its Executive Chairman, and its Chief Executive Officer entered into civil settlements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that concludes the previously disclosed inquiry into historical disclosures in a Company proxy statement.  A copy of the Company’s press release regarding the settlement is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01.   Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1  Press release, dated March 3, 2010

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.